The Multi-Talented Hero: "Rizal as a Doctor" A Reflection from Aspiring Student Nurses

By Trisha Salloman

December 19, 2024

© J.R Lim: Rizal in Dapitan

Jose Rizal, known as the Philippines' national hero, was not only a brilliant writer and revolutionary but also a skilled doctor, particularly in the field of ophthalmology. After studying medicine in Europe, Rizal specialized in eye care, driven by a personal mission to restore the vision of his mother, Teodora Alonso Realonda, who had lost her sight.

In 1891, Rizal embarked on a journey to Hong Kong, where he performed a successful eye surgery on a German ophthalmologist’s wife, cementing his reputation as a talented and compassionate physician. Rizal's skills were highly regarded in Europe and Asia, where he treated patients with care and dedication.

His passion for healing went beyond medical practice; he viewed his work as part of a larger goal to alleviate the suffering of Filipinos under Spanish rule. His knowledge of medicine was not only an asset in saving lives but also a symbol of his commitment to the betterment of his country. Through his work as a doctor, Rizal embodied the essence of a multi-talented hero—skilled in both the sciences and the arts, with a heart dedicated to the service of others.